Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, July 20

National Conference staged protests in New Delhi and across the union territory on Monday, demanding the restoration of statehood and accusing the federal government of delaying a commitment it made after the 2019 constitutional changes.

The Delhi protest was led by NC President Farooq Abdullah and attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, ministers, lawmakers and party workers.

The demonstration coincided with the opening of Parliament’s Monsoon Session and was intended to pressure the federal government to restore J&K’s statehood.

The party said Delhi Police stopped protesters from marching towards Jantar Mantar and alleged that tear gas was used to disperse them.

The police action drew criticism from NC leaders, who said the demonstration was peaceful and constitutional.

Farooq Abdullah said the party had come to New Delhi to seek the restoration of the rights and dignity of the people of J&K and to remind the federal government of its assurances.

Omar Abdullah said the government should provide a clear timeline instead of repeatedly saying statehood would be restored at an “appropriate time”.

The Supreme Court, in its December 2023 ruling upholding the constitutional changes, had said statehood should be restored at the earliest.

The protests were also held at party offices and district headquarters across J&K.

The NC said it would continue its campaign until the federal government announced a clear roadmap for restoring statehood.